Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing are one of the oldest complaints of humanity. Even if this is not a big deal for some, some have great difficulty due to these complaints.
Doctors examine the causes of nasal congestion in four parts, and sometimes there may be similar points among them. These common points increase especially in patients whose complaints are caused by more than one thing.
STRUCTURAL CAUSES In this class, disorders of the nose and the nasal septum, which consists of a thin cartilage and divides the nose into two separate parts, are examined. These disorders usually occur as a result of any accident in a person's life. The accident may have occurred in childhood or may have even been forgotten. Seven percent of newborn babies may have a nasal injury during birth. It is a fact that a person hits his nose at least once in his life. For these reasons, nasal deformities and septum deviations are very common causes. If these make breathing difficult, they can be corrected surgically. The most common cause of nasal congestion in children is enlargement of the adenoids. This is a tissue that resembles a tonsil and is located behind the palate, at the back of the nose. Children with this problem breathe loudly at night and even snore. In addition, these children constantly breathe through their mouths and have an expression of unhappiness on their faces. There may even be defects in their teeth. Surgical interventions to remove the adenoids may be recommended. Other causes within this category include nasal tumors and foreign bodies. Children tend to put small particles into their noses. These can be buttons, safety pins, toy parts, peas and chickpeas. Be careful when you experience one-sided foul-smelling discharge. Because this may be a warning of a nose blocked by a foreign object. In this case, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
INFECTION A normal person may have a cold on average once or twice a year. This is more in young people and less in older people with developed immune systems. The common cold is an illness caused by viruses. While some viruses pass through the air, they are mostly transmitted through the hands and nose. Once the virus settles in the nose, it It causes the secretion of a chemical called stamin. As a result of this substance, a significant increase in the amount of blood flowing to the nose is observed. As a result, the nasal membranes swell. On the other hand, fluid secretion from the nasal membranes also increases. Antihistamines and decongestants can be used to reduce these complaints. But the common cold will go away on its own over time. During viral infections, the resistance of the nose and sinuses to bacterial infections decreases. This explains why nasal and sinus infections are common during colds. If the nasal discharge changes from clear to yellow or green, this indicates a bacterial infection and a doctor should definitely be consulted. Sudden sinus infections include nasal congestion, a dark discharge, pain and tenderness in the cheeks and upper teeth, between and behind or above the eyes, depending on which sinus is affected. Chronic sinus infections may or may not cause pain. But nasal congestion and runny nose are constantly present. In some patients, structures called polyps develop in the sinuses. The disease can also spread to the lower airways, causing chronic cough, bronchitis and asthma. Acute sinusitis usually responds to antibiotic treatment, while surgical treatment is generally recommended for chronic sinusitis.
ALLERGY Hay fever is the name given to allergic rhinitis. Allergy ; It is an excessive inflammatory response to a foreign object, pollen, house dust mite, animal waste or some particles in house dust. Sometimes nutrients also play a role. Pollens cause problems in spring or autumn. In addition, house dust can bother you all year round. The ideal treatment for this is to stay away from things that cause complaints. But often this is not practical. In allergic patients, nasal congestion and runny occur as a result of particles that cause histamine secretion in the body, as in the common cold. Antihistamine medications can prevent the effects of histamine and eliminate complaints. Decongestants allow the nose to open by constricting dilated blood vessels. While the majority of antihistamines increase the tendency to sleep, decongestants have the opposite stimulating effect. Therefore, using these drugs together would be the best choice.
WARNING Antih It is very unsafe for those who tend to sleep while taking istaminic to drive a car or work in hazardous jobs. Since decongestants increase heart rate and blood pressure, they should not be used in patients with high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, glaucoma and difficulty urinating. Pregnant women should consult their doctor about any medication they will take. Corticosteroids (Cortisone) are significantly effective in many allergic patients, but they must be used under medical supervision due to their known side effects. In addition, these drugs are also effective when used as nasal sprays, and this method of use is safer. Allergy shots are the most specific treatment method and have a high level of success. Sometimes blood and skin tests are performed to understand which substances the patient is allergic to. The doctor will determine the initial scheme of treatment. These will usually be in the form of injections. This treatment works by blocking antibodies in humans and preventing allergic reactions. Many patients prefer injections due to the side effects of medications. Patients with allergies have an increased tendency to have sinus infections.
VASOMOTOR RHINITIS Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose and nasal membranes. Vasomotor means pertaining to blood vessels. The nasal membranes have large amounts of arteries, veins and capillaries that are capable of expansion and contraction. Normally, half of these veins are open and the other half are closed. However, if the person does heavy exercise, the secretion of stimulating hormones (adrenaline) increases. Adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict. As a result, the membranes contract, the airway opens and the person breathes more easily. The opposite occurs during an allergic attack or when the person is exposed to cold. Blood vessels dilate and the nose becomes blocked. In addition to allergies and infections, some other causes cause the nasal vessels to dilate, leading to vasomotor rhinitis. These include stress, inadequate thyroid function, pregnancy, excessive or prolonged use of some blood pressure medications, birth control pills and decongestant medications. At the beginning of all these causes, nasal congestion is temporary and reversible. In other words, if the cause is eliminated, the disease will improve. Besides if it lasts long enough If this happens, the blood vessels will lose their elasticity and the event becomes an irreversible situation. They resemble varicose veins. When the patient lies on his back or turns to one side, his lower parts fill with blood.
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